LOVE!

With me, any activity translate into a fashion need. As can be evidenced from my belly dancing classes:

Forest green and black

You can’t tell from the picture, but this is a very luxuriously deep burgundy purple. It was the last piece and luckily my sharp eye ferretted it out of the pile of scarves.

Yes, you don’t need to say it. I know I am hopeless.

I saw this

on Amazon (oh…DEER! Rinna Black Pump
US$149.00) and my, my, does it remind me of this model.

Christian Louboutin
black python ‘Hung-Up’ pumps
US$825.00

What a blatant cheap imitation. It’s not even cheap at US$149.

I know many people will disagree with me and even think that I am snobbish but it’s not even the issue here. I really dislike brands or companies that imitate high fashion wholesale and try to pass it off as the real McCoy. You are leeching off others’ creativity, stealing others’ ideas and passing it off as your own, and are no better than a thief.

High street brands are known to be inspired by the couture houses, by releasing their own “take” of the latest trends. While inspired does not equate ‘copy wholesale’, they can go overbroad sometimes, as can be seen in the See By Chloe’s recent legal victory over Topshop.

For this misstep, Topshop agreed to pay the Paris house �12,000 (roughly S$36,000) in damages and legal costs and destroy the remaining 1,000 odd dresses.

**

Which brings me to our dear beloved Charles and Keith, lauded to be our national shoe provider. Indeed, whenever I walk past a C&K store, it will be packed with ladies who are lured in by the designs and the prices. After all, S$39.90, heck even S$59.90, is still very affordable if not cheap for a pair of shoes. I don’t object to their price, because after all, it corresponds to the quality of the materials they use and the comfort level (low). I have never worn one pair of C&K shoes that did not give me grief (yes, I was also lured by the design and the price too!) Many a times, I had to buy another pair of shoes while I am outside (yes, I couldn’t even wait till I get home) while cursing C&K for inflicting their inferior soles on my unsuspecting soles.

My point is, lately I have realized that they have moved from the “inspired” zone to the “no holds barred copycat zone”.

Prada, Armani and Chanel (and many other designers) have all been ripe for the pickings! Prada’s gradual hued Ombre bags, Armani’s wedges, Chanel 2.55 etc, have been copied wholesale (with the exception of the labels) and displayed proudly in their stores.

Prada Ombre Patent Tote

Marni Wedges

Some may argue that C&K did not pass off the designs as Prada, Armani or Chanel, and not selling counterfeit goods. Yes, that I agree. But which is worse, really? Making, selling or buying counterfeit goods; or passing off others’ designs as YOUR OWN? Does sticking their C&K label on other’s designs make it any better? The worst is that they take a perfectly gorgeous design and ruin it with their desecration of an inferior and cheap looking copy.

Frankly, I feel rather disgusted. Is there like, not one talented design person on the C&K design team?

And please, not the same tired unreasonable argument about designer goods being priced so high and so many people not being afford them, so it is perfectly reasonable for copies to be made and sold at a much cheaper price.

There is something called creative licence. If I cannot afford something, then so be it that I cannot afford it. Things like a crocodile Hermes, a diamond Vertu, a yacht etc. I don’t think I can ever afford these in my lifetime and even if I could, I don’t know if I can bear to part with so much money for a mere luxury item. I thin there is no shame in not being able to afford something. The shame is, trying to pass off as someone that you are not.

And moreover, there are a million stylish things out there that are desirable and affordable. Vintage, indie designers, classic chic, you name it. No need to hanker after a It copy item.

*Disclaimer: This is merely my humble opinion. If you adore or love C&K and their copied designs, please be my guest. After all, one woman’s meat could be another woman’s poison. I have no wish of shoving my opinions down your throat or off your feet, for that matter.

But seriously. A sleeveless tank, a denim miniskirt and a pair of Havaianas - simply not acceptable as office wear, even on Dressed Down Fridays! Havaianas are for casual use and certainly not for the office. This girl works in a Korean company - I am surprised as Korean companies are known to be particular about grooming.

She lifted her arms and I recoiled in horror (I already did recoil in horror at her clothing ensemble, and upon the arm lifting, I recoiled into myself)

I think she needs a grooming coach, a whole new wardrobe, some taste and a shaver. Pronto.